Northern Health’s outpatients operations director Kathryn Bartho shared her cancer survival story with guests at an International Women’s Day event on Wednessay.
Northern Health Foundation hosted the breakfast at Mantra Epping, attracting 145 staff, board members and guests.
Attendees were welcomed by Northern Health executive director Pina Di Donato, who highlighted the importance of the event as an opportunity to discuss equal access to healthcare.
Ms Bartho recounted her diagnosis in January 2020, at age 32, and the journey of receiving treatment at her own workplace.
“I was lying in bed and felt a lump in my breast, so as a nurse I knew I had to get it checked out. My GP sent me for an ultrasound and during the ultrasound I kept asking ‘why are you clicking?’ and ‘are you measuring something?’ … I just knew she was clicking too much,” she said.
“I felt lost, confused and numb after my diagnosis.
“Within five weeks of finding that lump, I received my first chemotherapy session with my husband by my side, however due to COVID restrictions he was one of the few people able to be with me throughout.
“The rest of my support team was made up of the amazing oncology doctors and nurses, holding my hand and being with me the whole time.”
Ms Bartho said she was able to receive chemotherapy in the comfort of her own home and was able to work from home throughout her treatment.
“The journey was a rollercoaster. Seven weeks into my treatment, I succumbed to my hair loss and shaved my head, as did my husband in solidarity with me,” she said.
“I think it’s important to acknowledge that, in a global comparison, my cancer experience is unique, and that not all women have what I have.
“I’ve been very lucky to be surrounded by strong women all my life and encouraged to achieve, grow and learn at every opportunity.
“International Women’s Day is about celebrating women across the globe and the main message I want people to walk away with … is surround yourself with people that allow you to be you, that want to share in your success and celebrate your achievements. As women, standing together united we can achieve greatness.”
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas was in attendance, and spoke about the diverse and growing community in the northern suburbs, as well as acknowledging the challenges the pandemic had on Northern Health over the past few years.
“I firmly believe that it’s my job to work with senior healthcare leaders to ensure we deliver equitable care to every woman,” she said.
“I want to ensure that our nurses, allied health staff and clinicians all have the opportunity to grow their careers so this can happen.
“We dedicate a lot of money and effort training our highly qualified nurses, and then about seven years in, or after they have children, they fall off a cliff.
“We need to look at this workforce and see what is making it so difficult for them to continue to utilise this expertise.”
Ms Thomas also reiterated the importance of access to high-quality healthcare for women and the State Government’s commitment to creating 20 new women’s health clinics, which would provide care for Victorians needing treatment and advice on issues such as endometriosis, pelvic pain and menopause.
“We’ve come a long way in women’s health, but there is more to do – that’s why we will deliver new women’s health clinics, more sexual and reproductive health hubs and double the number of endometriosis surgeries,” she said.
She also visited Northern Health’s Family Planning Clinic, which is expanding the sexual and reproductive health services it provides to women.
The clinic provides comprehensive abortion care for a diverse and growing population – along with counselling and advice on contraception, STI prevention and treatment and general sexual health awareness – at no cost.
To meet growing demand for the services, the clinic is increasing its team of midwives and gynaecologists – and adding a second session for clinical consultations and surgical services each week. The increase will see the number of women who can access termination services double, from six to 12 each week.
A grant from the Victorian Nursing and Midwifery Trust and the University of Melbourne will also mean two midwifery researchers will be based at the clinic, working with patients, staff and the community to co-design a model of care that meets the specific needs of the community.
